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14 Amazing Private Travel Experiences

Keep your distance while you travel

As Americans begin to gingerly step out of lockdown, some are ready to go beyond the grocery store. But the desire for safety remains, so going private is the way forward for many. And while it’s easy to take the luxury route for privacy and exclusivity, there are also more affordable options for a private experience, from boat rentals to private tours to camping on the edge of a cliff (yes, really!). These are the most amazing private travel experiences to check out right now.

The Moorings, Julian Love 

While large-scale cruising is out for the foreseeable future, chartering or renting a small boat or yacht is an ideal alternative. After all, when there’s nothing but the wide-open sea, it’s easy to social distance. Thankfully, there are a range of options in terms of boat type, length of trip, cost, and amount of staff (if any). Chartering a yacht is at the higher end; check out Kontiki Expeditions , who are launching a new yacht service on Dec. 13, 2020, with two itineraries along the coast of Ecuador . With nine staterooms, it’s easy to buy out, and the new ships also include a spa, fitness room, Jacuzzi, diving gear, and more. Or book the Alila Purnama , an ultra-luxe five-room ship that docks at different islands in the Indonesian archipelago and includes private air charter to the island of your choice, on-board Balinese spa treatments, and diving excursions. If you don’t want to be tied down, The Moorings lets you charter a yacht with no set itinerary, and they have bases around the world, including Florida , Tahiti , and several Caribbean islands. If you’re looking to steer (and stay stateside), reserve a houseboat on Arizona’s Lake Powell , with boats ranging from economy to luxury.

Rent a Private Island

 Tourism Fiji

Yes, this sounds extravagant. And it certainly can be—fully staffed luxury resorts like Richard Branson’s Necker Island in the Caribbean or Kokomo Private Island in Fiji come to mind. But believe it or not, there are a few affordable private islands for rent, including several in the United States, like the no-frills Oar Island in Maine or the jungle-like Seabird Key in Florida. A private island is perfect for avoiding crowds, and well, anyone—especially if you choose one without staff.

Book a Private Tour

Get the ultimate in privacy and exclusive experiences with a private guided tour. Big-name companies like Abercrombie & Kent , Intrepid , Classic Journeys , Trafalgar , Scott Dunn , Tauck , Butterfield & Robinson , REI Adventures , Travelive , Wild Frontiers, and G Adventures are offering private, bespoke journeys with exclusive access to things like museums after hours, personal cooking classes, private hikes, and boating expeditions, and many have announced new U.S. tours for those who prefer to stay domestic. Some even include private jet transfers, like TCS World Travel ’s recently announced custom jet trips, Perillo’s new North American family trips, Seamlessly by Touring Treasures in Australia and Smithsonian Journey’s Around the World by Private Jet . For something less lavish, book a guide through Tours by Locals , which has professional, local guides across the U.S. and the world. Check out their Off Grid Grand Canyon Tour, which gives travelers exclusive access to a section of the Grand Canyon called Tuweep that’s accessible to a handful of vehicles by permit only—luckily, local guide AJ is the proud owner of two. If you’re looking for adventure, try Moab Adventure Center ’s private Hummer safaris, canyoneering, climbing, and SUP lessons.

Road Trip, But Make It Luxe

 Getty Images

As the road trip skyrockets in popularity, many companies are offerings deluxe, exclusive versions, often with overnights at plush hotels. Exclusive Resorts partnered with luxury road trip company  All Roads North to provide tailor-made trips with stays at multi-million-dollar vacation homes. Montage Deer Valley  now offers a private guided luxury road trip as part of its  Montage Expeditions  program, stretching between Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park , complete with private air and ground transportation. For a more extended excursion, Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with  Auberge Resorts Collection and luxury travel company  Black Tomato  on a new series of multi-night road trip itineraries to Auberge properties throughout the United States, including routes through New England, Colorado, and Utah, and California—think of it as the ultimate test drive. For a more affordable option, look at AKA ’s new East Coast road trip package , which includes stays at its properties in New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., along with picnic materials, snacks, and Spotify playlists.

Camp in the Middle of Nowhere

 Kent Mountain Adventure Center

Camping is one of the easiest ways to social distance, particularly if it’s in a remote location. But if the thought of setting up camp in the middle of nowhere gives you hives, leave it to the pros. Tentrr is like the Airbnb of camping, with property owners renting out prefab tents (think wooden decks, canvas tents, basic furniture, and simple outhouses) set on vast acres of land. If you’re looking for an actual one-of-a-kind experience—and have no fear of heights—you can dine and sleep on a portoledge set on the edge of a cliff. Kent Mountain Adventure Center  in Estes, Colorado, will take care of the logistics and set up so you can have a cliff camping experience 75 feet above the ground—it doesn’t get more socially distanced than that!

Reserve a Spa for Yourself

Auberge Resorts 

With stress levels at an all-time high for most people, a spa day is desperately needed. Thankfully, several spas are offering private sessions where guests can have the relaxation haven all to themselves for a few hours. For example, Calistoga Ranch in Napa is offering spa buyouts where guests can enjoy private use of two geothermal mineral pools and a covered terrace with a roaring fireplace, complete with a massage or soak, butler service and a bottle of Champagne. And Four Seasons Las Vegas has buyouts for its spa and nail bar. Take it one step further by reserving an entire retreat for you and your pod at  Twelve Senses Retreat (book with Porter & Sail for extra hotel credits), a four-room hotel designed on the philosophy of the four elements of nature. A takeover of this holistic haven unlocks private access to wellness experiences like guided meditation, energy healing, yoga, and paddleboarding.

Traverse the Country in an RV

Getty Images 

Traveling across the country in an RV is almost a right of passage for Americans, and it happens to be entirely private as well. If you don’t own your own RV , check out RVshare ’s peer-to-peer rental marketplace for your family’s ideal ride.

Taste Wines One-on-One

Getty Images

While virtual wine tastings have taken off, if you’re itching for that in-person experience, a personal wine tasting excursion is just the ticket. Sessions by Essentialist offers members intimate experiences like a meeting with Kerrin Laz, who recently opened K. Laz Wine Collection tasting room in Yountville, Napa Valley, or a private tour of Senses Wine in Sonoma with one of the winery’s founders. And TOR Winery has various private, by-appointment tasting experiences, including hiking and tasting at storied Pritchard Hill Vineyard in Napa Valley. Over in Santa Barbara , there are several multi-vineyard private tours with transportation, like Classic Wine Tours of Santa Barbara and Rooted Vine Tours , and in the Finger Lakes region of New York, check out Experience! Finger Lakes .

Fly Private to a Secluded Destination

Sometimes the flight is the best part of the trip, especially if it involves a private jet . Companies like Air Charter Service can help you charter a helicopter, plane, or jet to just about anywhere, while luxury hotel chains like Rosewood are partnering with various private jet companies to bring guests over in style. If you’re really a baller, go ahead and buy your own helicopter that can take you to any snowy mountaintop, remote island, or lush valley.

Safari, Private Style

Michael Venera/Getty Images 

A successful safari often means small families or groups anyway, so they are still an excellent option for privacy and seclusion. Extraordinary Journey ’s Return of The Safari Pioneers is a 12-day safari in the Masai Mara , complete with a chartered flight from JFK International Airport to Kenya , private fly-in lodges, and four-person game drives, while Micato Safaris and andBeyond offer a plethora of private options. If Africa is too far-flung, Nayara Tented Camp offers a safari experience in Costa Rica, complete with plush glamping-style accommodations and personal naturalists for each guest that will lead them through the on-site sloth sanctuary and on early-morning bird sightings and evening frog walks.

Stay at a Fully Staffed Estate

While renting a vacation home is an excellent way to have privacy, you might miss the full service of a hotel. Enter the fully staffed estate or villa. Personal butler, housekeeper, and chef? Check, check, check. In Europe and the U.K., check out Masterpiece Estates by Oetker Collection, and in Greece, White Key Villas is the ticket. Caribbean options include the Eden Rock Villas on St. Barths , Le Barth Villa Rental , and Wimco . Villas of Distinction operates all over the world, including the U.S.

Ski Down a Mountain in Solitude

Skiing offers some great private options: first tracks are offered at many resorts, often through luxury hotels like the Little Nell in Aspen or exclusive clubs, like Seven Summits at Snowbird and Alta . For even more privacy—and adventure—book a private heli-ski trip to the most remote mountains—no full lifts here. Try CMH in Canada and Majestic Heli Ski and Tordrillo Mountain Lodge in Alaska .

Tour a Museum Without the Crowds

 Justin Pumfrey/Getty Images

Several museums offer after-hours tours to no more than 20 people at a time, including the MoMA in New York City and the British Museum in London. In Nantucket , you can have the entire Whaling Museum to yourself on Sundays if you’re a guest of the Jared Coffin House . In the Catskills , you can book an after-hours tour for 25 of your besties at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Museum , the site of the original Woodstock Festival in 1969.

Ride the Rails Minus the Masses

We’ve covered planes, but let’s not forget trains —there are several options for private train travel that won’t disappoint. Anantara just announced the Vietage , a luxury train that serves only 12 passengers (perfect for buyouts!) and travels six hours through Central Vietnam between Da Nang and Quy Nhon. A gourmet three-course meal and snacks are served along the way, and each passenger receives a 30-minute massage. And just in case you happen to own your own train car, you can attach it to any Amtrak train for an annual fee. Or, you can charter one from the American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners or Luxury Train Club.

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Rethinking Private Travel

By CNT Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Presented by Wheels Up

One of the best things about travel is getting to experience new things: new environments, new adventures, new people. But over the past year, we’ve had to minimize exposure to the unfamiliar. These days, we move through the world in pods and bubbles for the sake of safety and comfort. We’re leaning toward privacy in every part of our lives—at home, at work, and even in travel.

When we think of “private travel,” we often imagine the most over-the-top, extravagant trips. But there’s a significant gray area between buying out a resort in French Polynesia for friends and family, and bumping knees with a seatmate in economy class. Customizable and small-group experiences are available at nearly every price point, and the options are only growing in number and quality.

“Every service provider across the hospitality ecosystem is thinking about [private travel experiences,]” says Luis Vargas , CEO and founder of travel operator Modern Adventure , especially as borders slowly reopen and leisure travel resumes. “People want to be in smaller groups and with people that they know.”

But even before the pandemic struck, private travel offered opportunities to see the world more intimately—whether through after-hours workshop tours or home visits with local families all over the world. “That cross-cultural exchange, that intimacy, it’s really powerful,” Vargas says. “And private travel is not just for the people for whom budget is no object.”

It can look like VIP days at Disney World with door-to-door service and private photo ops with park characters, or a private tour of the Museum of Modern Art (once those resume) at its emptiest hours. Customizing your visit to fit your needs can also help you maximize your time while traveling, and can often take an educational or entertainment experience—one that might otherwise be rushed and uncomfortable—to the next level. Your kid could have a long chat with Mickey Mouse; you could ask a docent to explain the futurism movement for you in detail, or inquire, unselfconsciously, whether van Gogh really did cut off his ear.

Or maybe it means a weekend with those you love: You could rent out a cozy bed-and-breakfast and treat yourself to some New England charm or Southern hospitality. Large groups might look to small boutique hotels offering buyouts . Spending thousands of dollars a night on accommodations sounds more reasonable when you’re splitting it with another family or two—especially if it comes with a pool.

Private travel moments don’t have to happen far from home or on a bucket-list trip, either. Consider a private boat charter on the Hudson for an afternoon, or a five-hour VIP safari at the San Diego Zoo . (Booking these experiences also offers a tangible way to support businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic, especially if they’re local to you.) And those same activities might even inspire your next dream trip: A multi-day private tour through Washington’s wine country could someday turn into a visit to the vintners of Argentina .

These days, there are even ways to book yourself onto a private trip where the planning has been done for you: travel companies like Trafalgar and Travelsphere offer multi-stop itineraries that cover food, lodging, and activities (and sometimes flights). Gather a big enough group, and you can pick a private group tour, then customize it to your tastes. For more intimate groups, services like GetYourGuide or Airbnb Experiences offer single-day experiences that you and your companions can easily book out, like a cooking class for six with a pastry chef in Paris or a solo sunset sail off the coast of Barcelona.

Of course, if the planning (and corralling friends and family) feels like too much, you can always enlist a travel specialist to fulfill your dreams—while keeping your desire for seclusion in mind. “We have the relationships and knowledge to make the trip special for our clients,” says Ilana Silverman, a travel advisor at New York–based agency Embark Beyond . A skilled travel fixer can help book coveted corner rooms or help figure out how to convert function rooms into a family lounge; they can even work with hotels to keep part of the property all to yourselves. And they’re pros at curating itineraries, so you can sit back and enjoy, say, a private horseback tour in the Dominican Republic without worrying about the finer details. “Having a dedicated travel agent will not only inspire new ideas,” says Silverman, “but will also make it easier to change plans and adapt to any new rules and regulations.” As the world continues to figure out what travel now looks like, such peace of mind is invaluable.

Private travel doesn’t have to define an entire experience, either. It can also improve the little moments between departure and arrival: resting at an airport lounge on a layover, calling a hotel concierge for reservations in a city where you don’t speak the language, arranging for a car service to pick you up from the airport. Personalized attention and tailored hospitality can make all the difference on a trip. These extra elements elevate the parts of traveling that feel like a chore into chances to be cared for, giving you more precious time with your travel companions—or with yourself. These experiences, whether big or small, can add a new dimension to your adventures, making the return to travel that much sweeter. —Matt Ortile

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Travel upgrades that make your trip feel private

“Private travel” isn’t just for celebs and CEOs—and treating yourself can turn even the most mundane tasks into moments of ease, fun, and relaxation. Here are some indulgences all travelers can score without burning through the vacation budget.

Relax in a lounge, even when flying economy

Many airlines like Alaska or American sell day passes to their clubs directly, or through a third party like LoungeBuddy—no premium ticket or elite status necessary. And paying for international lounge networks like No1 or Plaza Premium can feel like scoring a slice of first class for yourself, especially during off-peak hours (hello, 4 a.m. layovers).

Use a chauffeur service to get around town

See a city in style by hiring a car and driver by the hour or day. Beyond airport transfers, chauffeurs can save you the hassle of navigating a subway or shepherding your family into multiple cabs or ride-shares —and who doesn’t want to glimpse a brand-new destination at street level? Many services like Blacklane and 8rental also offer day trips (think, from Manhattan to the Hamptons, or even Naples from Rome ). And sometimes, drivers even double as guides who can show you a local slice of life.

Book private tours—especially for popular tourist sites

Many tourist attractions offer private tour packages: At Universal Studios , a VIP tour gets you backstage access and the privilege of skipping long lines; at the Vatican , a guided tour can get you into parts of the grounds normally closed off to visitors. By getting in with a pro—whether through the attraction directly, or a third-party company like CityWonders or Viator —it can feel like any place is all yours to enjoy. At the very least, you’ll be able to make the most of your visit, since you won’t waste time waiting to buy tickets or deciphering maps.

Enlist the help of a concierge

Let a hotel concierge take care of you—especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion. They can often arrange event tickets, restaurant reservations, and other experiences you may not be able to snag yourself. (Don’t forget to tip!) Even at home, a concierge might be available to you through certain credit cards; American Express is famous for their Centurion concierge, but World Elite Mastercards and Visa Signature cards also offer top-rate concierges. —M.O.

Jessica Puckett

Caitlin Morton

Olivia Morelli

Editor’s note: Please check local restrictions and guidelines before traveling.

More ways private travel has changed

Why Flying Private Is Here to Stay

Smaller terminals and fewer people have never sounded more appealing.

The Best Private Yacht Charters for Small Groups

Take your family—and a handful of close friends—out on the water this summer.

How Experts Plan Luxury Trips With Black Travelers in Mind

Travel specialists can help think through important considerations and layer in private perks.

The Unexpected Payoff of a Private Ski Guide

Skip the lines and see parts of the mountain you’d never find on your own.

Michelin-Starred Meals and Private Tee Times: Credit Card Perks You Might Be Overlooking

These cards—which may already be in your wallet—can give you a taste of private travel.

13 Hotels to Take Over With Your Whole Crew

Bookmark these for a family reunion of eight or a destination wedding for 80.

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Private Europe Tours

Find the right private tour for you in Europe. There are 2075 trips to choose from, that range from one day in length, up to 61 days. The month with the most departures is September, making it the most popular time to visit Europe.

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250+ private tours of europe with 2,226 positive reviews.

The Balkan Adventure Tour -12 days/11 nights from Skopje

We loved the hikes; only wished they could have been longer. We wish we didn't have to spend so much time driving, but we understand that there is no other way to see so many things in so few days. We would have liked to spend more time in Sarajevo. Don't schedule Nis for a Monday since the best sites are closed on Monday. Overall, it was a great introduction to the history and natural beauty of the Balkans, but be prepared for a lot of driving.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

European Capitals (5) Escape - 11 Days

We were not able to complete our travel due to the world situation with Covid19. We felt, however, that we needed to share our positive experience with DOT travel. From the booking process, helping to make arrangements to suit our family, and adapting the itinerary to accommodate our travel needs, DOT was nothing short of extraordinary with their customer service. Additionally, when we had to make the sad decision to cancel our trip due to the world events, DOT was understanding and accommodating and refunded us promptly with no cancellation fees. We will complete this trip when the world opens up again, and rest assured we will be booking with DOT travel eu.

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Self-Guided Cycling

Baltic Bike Tour: Vilnius to Tallinn (self-guided supported)

Generally good, sometimes unclear description of route; friendly and helpful drivers on/with transportation

• Food & Culinary

Discover Matera and Taste of Salento Tour

We have recently returned from Discover Matera and Taste of Salento tour arranged by Soleto Travel. Omar of Soleto Travel has been most helpful and responsive to our pre tour and on tour queries. In one instance he arranged invaluable medical assistance following an accident to my partner. The tour was excellent and met expectations. Just be prepared to climb a lot of steps in Matera. In particular our hosts at Tenuta Linazza (masseria) were most welcolming and the food was genuine Italian with a wide variety of dishes available - ranging from delicious desserts to great pasta and seafoood dishes accompanied by hgh quality Puglia wines. Emiliio is a chef extraordinaire as well as being a most professional and insightful guide into Puglia customs and culture. His family members Clara, Michel and Antonio also acted as tour guides and shared these same attributes. The tour flexibility offered is a plus in satisfying the consensus wishes of touring participants. Accomodation at the farm cannot be faulted - spacious and clean with good facilities. There is the added bonus of Pongo the family dog who occasionally walks with you to the local coffee outlet.

Exploring Copenhagen Oslo and Reykjavik With Enchanting Northern Lights

9 nights Ireland, Scotland & Northern lights

Explore Athens, Mykonos & Santorini & stay at 4* hotels (3 inclusive activities)

Wonderful trip! Great to have all transfers from place to place and all the drivers we professional and on time. Hotels were great, especially the Winery Hotel in Santorini! Beautiful views and knowledgeable tour guides.

Switzerland and Italy

All arrangements were well managed. Zurich to Lucerne were booked on 2nd class train seats which a bit tough for us as we had to carry our heavy luggage to the upper deck of the train. Suggest in future not to book 2nd class train if there are luggages to bring along. The whatsapp group created for us was very helpful. They were fast to respond to our queries and guardian given during the trip. Overall we graded TourRadar 8 out of 10.

Private - Imperial Cities of Europe, 8 Countries

Wonderful tour! Teo was a great guide. Hotels were centrally located, and staffs were so helpful.

Baltic Bike Tour: Tallinn to Vilnius (self-guided supported)

This really was a fantastic trip. Even though there are a few longish transfers by coach there would have been no other way to see so much in such a short period of time and these were all quite well balanced in the tour. Normally we're not that interested in the guided city tours but these were all really interesting and well run. The cycling was pretty easy and the bikes were perfect for the job. Visiting the Baltic states is such a great thing to and doing by bike has to be the best way. I highly recommend this trip and Baltic Bike Tours.

Magical Fjord Adventure

Very good. Good value for an itinerary with tickets to streamline our trip planning. I’d use this service again.

• Sightseeing

ESSENCE OF EUROPE

Thank you everyone at interrailingpackages. you organized the trip of a lifetime for us

Taste of Salento-Authentic Culinary Experience

Emilio, Clara, Michael and Antonio were fantastic hosts. The food and the sights visited were fantastic. However, a more protein driven menu would have been appreciated. The Casa Clarita was nice, but needed little attentions such as water in the fridge upon our arrival without asking and napkins. The mattresses would need updating and extra blankets. Being North Americans, it would help paying attention to safe driving. These are only constructive criticism, as we truly enjoyed our week on the farm and highly recommend this tour.

Private Tour of Sicily: Highlights

Our choice of Sicily Activities for a private comprehensive tour of Sicily met all our expectations. We spent 14 days staying in Taormina, Siracusa, Ragusa and Palermo. Every day featured an activity of a walking tour or a drive to a regional site that provided an interesting location to wander around with an excellant choice of restaurants for great Sicilian food and wine. The guides provided were friendly, knowledgeable and amenable to any changes we wanted in that day's itinerary. All in all, a great vacation arranged by a top notch tour company. Sicily Activities.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Private Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour

This private tour of Sicily one of the most fun, relaxing, beautiful, and delicious (!) vacations we've ever had--the perfect way to break out of the Covid "lockdown" blues after not being able to travel for 17 months. If you are considering this vacation, stop looking and book this tour before it sells out--you will not regret it!! I originally thought I would book the small group tour, but because of covid--and more importantly because the private tour price was so reasonable--we booked this as a private tour, and it couldn't have been more perfect. Massimo is the SINGLE BEST travel agent we've ever used. I don't say this lightly--First, I'm extremely picky (I'm a professor and scientist, and I tend to analyze everything; I want only the very best experiences; second, we have traveled all over the world, and we have very high standards and expectations. We have always had wonderful local travel agents, but Massimo went "above and beyond" in every way imaginable. His communication was phenomenal; with Covid restrictions, we weren't sure we were going to be able to make the trip happen at all, and at every stage Massimo would send me the latest information on Italy, and also he basically said we could cancel for a full refund even a week before our trip, which is an extremely generous policy and eased a lot of my stress. I ask a lot of questions, and he answered every question very quickly with detailed answers. He treated me more like a friend or family member than a "client."If he hadn't been so friendly, reassuring, and had such a flexible policy, we probably wouldn't have taken the trip. The trip itself was absolutely perfect in every way. When local travel agents plan trips for us, I meticulously read reviews of all the hotels and activities, and I end up making suggestions for revisions or alterations. In this case, all of the reviews were stellar, so I didn't ask fora single revision. And yet, every single tour, activity, and hotel Massimo planned was FABULOUS. I wouldn't change a thing! The care with which Massimo puts into his tours--and especially his clients--is amazing. He would what's app me every evening to remind me of the pickup time the next morning, and again during the day to check in to see how our day was going, whether we were enjoying an activity, and if he could do anything to make things better. I noticed that every tour we went on, they took pictures of us and sent them to Massimo, which I believe was his way of making sure we were always well cared for, and where we were supposed to be. I truly felt like he deeply cared about us and wanted to make sure we were having the best time possible. His drivers, guides, and tours were also top notch. Every single driver (without exception) was early to pick us up, spoke great English, and was incredibly friendly and informative--it's as if he chose to only work with contractors who have his same wonderful personality. Each and every tour guide was also incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging, some of the best guides we've had in any city. All of the activities -- from cooking classes to food tours to wine tasting -- were incredible as well. What I loved most of all was that I literally never had to worry about anything, because everything was so perfectly chose and planned and because Massimo was always watching over us to make sure everything went well. I will absolutely recommend this tour of Sicily and especially Massimo to all of my friends and family!

Private Europe Tour Reviews

We loved the hikes; only wished they could have been longer. We wish we didn't have to spend so much time driving, but we understand that there is no other way to see so many things in so few days. We would have liked to spend more time in Sarajevo. Don't schedule Nis for a Monday since the best sites are closed on Monday. Overall, it was a great introduction to the history and natural beauty of the Balkans, but be prepared for a lot of driving.

We really enjoyed the tour.

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Top 5 Benefits of Private Travel

Authored by : sara craven ,, cfp®, cepa®.

March 22, 2021

Sara Craven, Chief Wealth Manager and Shareholder at Sand Hill Global Advisors, speaks with Sara Calitri, Chief Operating Officer, and David Goodman, Chief Revenue Officer, of Private Flight Advisors about the top 5 benefits of private jet travel.

These reasons include: Safety (@2:31) , Efficiency (@3:24), Flexibility (@4:11), Experience (@5:03) and Cost Benefit (@5:54).

The Private Flight Advisors team also provides details on the various types of options for private travel such as Aircraft Ownership, Jet Card, On-Demand Charter and Hybrid. For more information on how to schedule private travel, fill out the questionnaire by clicking here!

For many years, we’ve been speaking with our clients about the benefits of flying private…. either they are ready to start or they’ve been flying private for a while but feel they may not be aware of the different ways that they can fly private.

When considering the best way to travel, be it for pleasure or business, the primary consideration is typically the expense. While the cost is an important factor one should also consider the expense in other areas – such as time and convenience – in making their decision.

In this interview, we spoke with Sara Calitri and David Goodman of Private Flight Advisors to discuss the top 5 benefits of private jet travel, from efficiency to flexibility.

Below is a transcript of the video interview.

Sara Craven:

For many years, clients have been interested about the benefits of flying private. Either they’re ready to start, or they’ve been flying private for a while, but they feel they may not be aware of the different ways they can fly private. When considering the best ways to travel, be it for pleasure or business, the primary consideration is typically the expense. While the cost is an important factor, one should also consider the expense in other areas, such as time and convenience in making their decision. Today, I’m pleased to introduce Sara Calitri and David Goodman of Private Flight Advisors to discuss the top five benefits of private jet travel.

Sara Calitri is Chief Operating Officer at Private Flight Advisors. She has spent over 15 years managing corporate flight programs, including ad hoc, on-demand, charter, jet card, corporate shuttle, as well as a hybrid model program. Sara began her career traveling the world with professional athletes and entertainers, corporate executives, government officials, Royal families, and other high net-worth individuals. Sara brings best practices and rigorous attention to detail to every mission.

David Goodman is Chief Revenue Officer at Private Flight Advisors. David has been providing private aviation solutions and transportation logistics consultation since 2004. With clients ranging from executives to corporate aviation departments, David has been a trusted advisor by focusing on the unique needs of each and every client he serves. As one of the leading experts in private aviation and charter logistics, David is also involved with developing travel programs within the travel and tourism industry, including hotels, tourism boards, and destinations.

Private Flight Advisors is a comprehensive private jet charter and advisory firm focusing on safety, value, service, and security. Their mission is to deliver each client maximum value and unmatched service for each and every flight.

Sara and David, I’m delighted to speak with you today. For our audience curious about private jet travel, let’s address the benefits first. Here are the top five benefits of private travel.

Sara Calitri:

Thank you so much, Sara, for the introduction. It’s really a pleasure to be speaking with you today. So for reason number one people choose private travel is safety. Private jet operators work with third-party auditors to ensure the utmost safety of each operator and each aircraft. Furthermore, you’re going to know exactly who’s flying the plane, typically two pilots, and you can check into their hours on type. In today’s environment, given COVID, it’s really important to limit our exposure to other people. So with private flying, you can avoid all the busy terminals and busy airports. We use the smaller airport facilities called FPOS, and usually, you can drag your vehicle right up to the aircraft, to board without going through any buildings. And then when you disembark the aircraft on the other end, your ground transportation can be right there waiting for you on the tarmac.

David Goodman:

Thank you so much for having us here. We’re really appreciative of your time. For flying privately would be efficiency. The ability to check in 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure and be escorted right onto the aircraft, versus an hour and a half prior check-in at a commercial terminal, will save you hours on both end. We obviously fly point to point, so you’re not making any stops or connections, which will maximize your time. We can also stop and pick members of your group up if they’re originating from a different location. We can bring everybody to the same destination together. We’re using regional airports, so we can often find an airport closer to where you’re starting from and finishing so that you’re not spending so much time traveling to and from the airports themselves.

And reason number three is the overall flexibility. Most of the time you’re traveling to a meeting and you might have your meeting start a little bit earlier or finish a little bit early. You can call up your crew, up until the day of departure, and change your departure times. If your meeting’s running a little bit late, that’s fine, no need to rush out to the airport. You can call your crew and you can change it on the fly. Likewise, if you want to change who’s actually traveling with you, up until the day of travel, you can let the crew know that “we’ve picked up an extra passenger. We’d like them to fly.” Even if one of the people can’t make it anymore. Those types of changes can be easily made as you go.

We’d even have people change their destination. They show up to the airport and something’s changed, maybe another meeting to your agenda, well, we can make those changes right up until the time of departure. So utmost flexibility in your travel schedule.

Reason number four would be experience. It really does change the entire experience of your travel day. From the time that you arrive you’re greeted by a crew that has been trained to deal with VIP guests and they treat you as such. You’re flying out of private air terminals, where again, the staff is there to serve you and will make you feel that way. You’re able to use that time in flight, so either to wind down or to be productive using Wi-Fi or conduct business, without the distractions of people around you. We can arrange special catering, amenities, gifts for children, periodicals, flowers. It’s your plane and so it will feel that way. It’s your private, travel experience.

And finally, we have reason number five, which is the cost-benefit. So we’re not here to tell you that flying privately is going to be the most economical option out there for you, but you’d be surprised. There are times where it’s quite competitive with commercial first class. If you have a group of eight or 10 people even, who are all traveling together, maybe on a ski trip or to a board meeting, and these are people that would typically fly commercial first class. Well, then it’s really worthwhile looking into private aviation, even from a cost-benefit perspective on that flight. You could be surprised that it’s right around the same price.

And also, you might be saving a day or two on the road. Less time in hotels and only you can really put a value to what your time is worth. Time is money, as they say.

Absolutely. These are excellent points and clearly, there are many key advantages that we too at Sand Hill discuss with our clients. And Sara, I think that this last point is where people really stall out. They think that private jet travel is complicated or a real extravagance. But you’ve highlighted many benefits for personal and business travel that are very compelling. In working with your clients, how do you help them navigate the way that they fly private, from either jet ownership to chartered flights, and decide what’s best both logistically and economically?

Certainly, there are a number of factors to look into when you dig deeper into which program is well-suited for you. There’s an array of different charter programs out there, so it’s really your travel patterns. The amount of flying that you do, do, the type of flying, the range that you would require, international versus domestic. So really you would want somebody to do a study of your travel patterns and how you would see yourself using private flying to dig deeper into those programs and ensure that you’re following through with the right fit for you.

What are some scenarios in which you’ve had to guide your clients through a combination of these plans?

Well, it really starts with outlining each type for them and looking at the pros and cons of each. With full aircraft ownership, which some people might choose to do, you’re owning your own asset and you obviously have ultimate flexibility in how you use that. But there are, of course, considerations that you would have to employ or somehow crew the aircraft and maintain it, as well. It’s an expensive way to fly privately, but really the ultimate way if you have the means and want to do so.

And a step down from full aircraft ownership would be the fractional ownership route, where you’re buying a share, like a timeshare in a hotel, of this aircraft. We see fliers that usually fly about a hundred or so hours, at least, annually look into the fractional ownership option. You’re paying an annual membership and then you’re also paying as you go for what you use. So again, a hundred-plus hours, and that might be the right option for you.

The other option would be a jet card. And a jet card is really like a debit card where the client prepays for a block of hours. And as they fly those hours, that’s subtracted from the card and then they can re-up. It’s usually for flyers that are using at least 50 hours a year. It’s popular for people that are doing a lot of one-way travel or going to secondary cities or locations where there are not a lot of aircraft already stationed. If you think about New York or Southern Florida, there are a lot of planes to be had, but that might not be the case in other parts of the country where it’s harder to get an aircraft to and from. So a jet card is popular for those people that are using a lot of plane time and a lot of one-way flying.

And then finally we have the on-demand option. So you’re really not locking in any type of aircraft. You don’t have to prepay for any block of hours or membership. It’s a pay-as-you-go system. “I know I need to fly here and I have three people and I don’t need a big plane. Let me look into what options I have for that specific route.” So it’s much smaller commitment or no commitment, really, just it’s a nice way to enter the market.

We see a lot of people that, like you said, when do you see the hybrid option? A lot of people will partner up on-demand charter with a jet card. So somebody who some of the time they might be flying for a week, in which case the jet card for a longer trip might make sense to them. You’re basically locking in a higher, hourly rate, but you’re not playing for any positioning time.

And then for certain trips, you’re only going for two days, the aircraft will likely stay with you and so there is no positioning involved, in which case an on-demand cost structure would make more sense. So having somebody to guide you, “On this trip, we think you should use your jet card. It’s going to work out to cost you about this, at the end of the day. And on another trip, on this one, I think you should go with your on-demand option.”

How does one go about engaging the services of a charter or private travel advisor?

The thing we’d recommend is the questionnaire, starting with that questionnaire and answering a few basic questions about your travel patterns. Are you traveling for business or personal or a combination thereof? How often do you travel? Are you on the road a lot or is it just a one-off occurrence for vacations and such? Are you going back and forth to the same locations, maybe a second office or a second home frequently? Or is it more scattered?

Additional items to consider would be, how many people you typically travel with? Have you traveled privately before? Do you have specific preferences of an aircraft type or an aircraft layout? Do you travel with your pets? Have you any other additional special requirements that come into play when you’re planning your travel? Do you typically fly with any oversize luggage or equipment, skis? Anything out of the ordinary that’s important to share when you’re planning.

It’s clear you’d be a great resource for anyone hoping to navigate private jet travel as a lifestyle expense. And as you mentioned earlier, in this time of COVID, it’s an interesting way to think about your family’s safety and security.

Thank you so much again for joining us. And with that, thank you everyone for listening to another episode of the Sand Hill Interview Series.

Thank you very much, Sara.

Thank you, Sara. Thank you, David.

Disclosure : Sand Hill Global Advisors (“SHGA”) is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training and no inference to the contrary should be made. SHGA may only transact business in the states where the firm is noticed filed or otherwise exempt. For disclosures, including additional information on credential designations of SHGA representatives please see our Form ADV Part 2A and 2B Disclosure Brochures, which can be obtained by  clicking here . SHGA is separately owned and unaffiliated with any other firm or entities mentioned or featured in this video. This video presentation may discuss certain investment products and/or securities and is being provided for informational purposes only, and should not be considered, and is not, investment, financial planning, tax or legal advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. Investing in securities involves varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment will be profitable or suitable for a particular client’s financial situation or risk tolerance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Individual performance results will vary. The opinions expressed in the video reflect SHGA’s views as of the date of the video. Such views are subject to change at any point without notice. You should not treat any opinion expressed by SHGA as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of general opinion. Nothing presented herein is or is intended to constitute investment advice, and no investment decision should be made based solely on any information provided on this video. There is a risk of loss from an investment in securities, including the risk of loss of principal. SHGA does not guarantee any specific outcome or profit. Any forward-looking statements or forecasts contained in the video are based on assumptions and actual results may vary from any such statements or forecasts. SHGA encourages you to consult with a professional financial advisor prior to making any investment decision.

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Information provided in written articles are for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. There is a risk of loss from investments in securities, including the risk of loss of principal. The information contained herein reflects Sand Hill Global Advisors' (“SHGA”) views as of the date of publication. Such views are subject to change at any time without notice due to changes in market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. SHGA does not provide tax or legal advice. To the extent that any material herein concerns tax or legal matters, such information is not intended to be solely relied upon nor used for the purpose of making tax and/or legal decisions without first seeking independent advice from a tax and/or legal professional. SHGA has obtained the information provided herein from various third party sources believed to be reliable but such information is not guaranteed. Certain links in this site connect to other websites maintained by third parties over whom SHGA has no control. SHGA makes no representations as to the accuracy or any other aspect of information contained in other Web Sites. Any forward looking statements or forecasts are based on assumptions and actual results are expected to vary from any such statements or forecasts. No reliance should be placed on any such statements or forecasts when making any investment decision. SHGA is not responsible for the consequences of any decisions or actions taken as a result of information provided in this presentation and does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. No part of this material may be (i) copied, photocopied, or duplicated in any form, by any means, or (ii) redistributed without the prior written consent of SHGA.

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Sara Craven ,

Chief Wealth Manager

Shareholder

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Dear Simon, We're sorry you've had a negative experience; we understand that sometimes things go wrong. Our team is committed to resolving issues promptly. Could you please share your booking ID number with our customer service team? Simply follow these steps: 1. Click on the 'contact us' section at the bottom of your Voyage Privé member page. 2. Click on the 'my member account', and then the 'contact us' button on the bottom left. 3. Click on 'how can I contact your customer service', and select your preferred option. I hope this information helps and we can resolve any issues soon. Thank you, Joanne

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Dear Cyril, We apologise that you've had an experience that didn't live up to your expectations, and thank you for providing your booking ID. We will forward your comments to the customer service team, who will be in touch to try and find a solution. Thank you, Joanne

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Dear Gabrielle, We're sorry to hear you’ve had this experience with your honeymoon booking, and that we haven’t resolved the issue to your satisfaction. Your feedback is essential to us, and we're committed to reviewing our processes to prevent similar situations in the future. We're glad to hear your wedding day was wonderful despite the setbacks. Should you ever reconsider, we'd be grateful for the opportunity to restore your trust and provide you with the exceptional experience you deserve. In the meantime, we will forward your comments to the customer service team, who will be in touch to try and find a solution. Thank you, Joanne

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NORWAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

Founded at the end of the Viking Age, Oslo has since developed into a modern and sophisticated metropolis. The city’s previously rugged docklands have transformed into an artistic hub, blooming with beautiful architecture and excellent museums. With relics of their rich Viking heritage preserved throughout the city, it's easy to see why Norwegians have adventure and exploration embedded in their DNA. As the third largest city in Scandinavia, Oslo houses many of Norway’s best cultural highlights. These include the Akershus Fortress, National Opera House and City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony has taken place. Marking the ideal start to any luxury tour of Norway, Oslo stands as the gateway to discovering the country’s natural beauty.

Both majestic and mighty, the Fjords of Norway are a living testament to the force of nature. Voyagers for centuries have been humbled by the sheer size and beauty of these snow-capped mountains, towering granite walls, mountain ledge farms, and charming villages tucked into bays. Known as "the heart of the fjords," the charming city of Bergen is located on the west coast of Norway. The colorful wooden houses along Bryggen Wharf are an iconic spot in Norway's second-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take in Bergen's countryside on the famed Flamsbana train and the breathtaking Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord on a ferry ride that offers an incredible experience passing along the grand mountain peaks and glacier-sculpted valleys. The traditional port town of Alesund is the proud gatekeeper to the iconic Geirangerfjord; this breathtaking 20 kilometer long fjord is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The deep blue waters here are surrounded by lush green vegetation and delightful waterfalls. Whether kayaking through the breathtaking fjords of the Storfjord region, biking down into the lush green valleys of Norangsdalen, or hiking to the Saksa mountain peak for stunning views of the Sunnmøre Alps, the Norwegian Fjords are a true outdoor playground.

One of Norway's most spectacular locations, Lofoten is a collection of picturesque islands located far north above the Arctic Circle. Like a winter fairytale, nature takes center stage here, with visitors only recently having discovered this Nordic treasure. Lofoten’s grand archipelago is home to charming fishing villages and idyllic beaches, tucked away amongst the imposing granite mountains and a spectacular labyrinth of waterways. Against this magnificent landscape, the blazing northern lights paint the sky a dazzling array of colors on frosty winter nights. In addition to spectacular hiking and outdoor adventures, Lofoten offers the chance to partake in a legendary and unique cod fishing event. Every winter, millions of Arctic cod swim to Lofoten to spawn. Travelers can experience this incredible phenomenon firsthand onboard an authentic fishing vessel along with the local fishermen.

INSPIRATION

The best private experiential lodging experiences in the polar regions, polar regions, chasing the northern lights: the where, the when and the how, the best time to visit sweden.

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Opinion: How the nature of private jet travel is changing

Words by Justinas Bulka, KlasJet CEO

The global private jet charter services market size is estimated to be at US$15.27 billion in 2024, and, according to Mordor Intelligence, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.92% for the next five years. The segment is not only prospering but also changing and attracting new clientele. And it is about time that private and business jet travel shook off the label of just being a celebrity indulgence.

Focus on sustainability – both a challenge and an opportunity

In 2023, the aviation sector saw strong signs of recovery, with the remnants of post-pandemic restrictions being lifted across the world. However, the war in Ukraine and the subsequent closing down of airspace over Russia, the Hamas-Israel conflict, and a general sense of geopolitical instability around the world added its fair share of challenges. And while the commercial aviation sector continued an upward growth trajectory, private aviation saw an understandable correction and the normalization of demand.

In Europe, governments are becoming increasingly sensitive to sustainability. Even though the private aviation sector is accountable for just 0.02% of greenhouse gas emissions, the sector continues to be under heightened scrutiny. Austria, France and the Netherlands have all expressed the desire to curb the impact of private jet travel on the climate. We already see first signs of this change, for example, Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport announcing plans to ban private jets altogether.

In its most recent 41st Assembly, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) established a new baseline for the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), setting it at 85% of the emissions levels recorded in 2019. This adjustment applies from 2024 through to the scheme’s conclusion in 2035, marking a considerably more stringent target than initially anticipated. Notably, this decision has garnered substantial support from the industry, including from private aviation charter companies.

Ultimately, while pressure from both regulators and society poses its fair share of challenges, it encourages the industry to put an effort into reducing emissions.

Shifts in geography and markets

KlasJet saw twice as many orders in the summer of 2023 than in the same period in 2022. This observation is reflected in the general market trends. In fact, the use of private jets in Britain has soared by 75% in recent years, with a flight taking off every six minutes from a UK airport last year, according to research conducted by Dutch consultancy CE Delft. And while Geneva and Nice might have been the top destinations of recent years, the nature and the geography of the business is changing.

We have noted significant growth across all regions. Europe was almost twice as active last summer as it was in 2022. The Middle East and North Africa was and is very active and with major investment in infrastructure, this growth will only continue. Africa is booming, especially countries like DRC, Nigeria, and South Africa, where charters are usually the only viable option for business travel.

Private starts to feel like a misnomer

One of the most visible trends is the growing number of larger groups chartering flights. Chartered flights carrying delegates to trade shows, executives to company retreats, or even groups of friends to major events are becoming more common. The pandemic showed a new clientele the possibility to book private jets at comparatively affordable rates. It is no wonder that, according to JETNET iQ, 80% of surveyed operators predict growth in charter and fractional operations.

We’re noticing that our 56-seater is getting fewer requests, whereas larger jets capable of carrying up to 80 passengers receive more inquiries from customers travelling in groups. From religious pilgrimages to once-in-a-lifetime events happening at another part of the globe, there’s an increasing number of use cases for chartered flights.

We hope that the growing diversity in terms of customers will change the public perception of private aviation. With more education, it could shift from being understood as a luxury accessible only to the 1% to being perceived as a viable mode of transportation.

AI and AR/VR hype no match for quality service

While aviation is often seen as a trend-setter in terms of tech adoption, it might be hesitant to jump on the latest bandwagon, and with good reason. If Artificial Intelligence was the buzzword of 2023, with the commercialization of Augmented Reality technology in the form of Apple Vision Pro, AR/VR might take over the mantle this year. While this level of entertainment might seem like the perfect fit at first glance, there are good arguments against it.

While services like Internet-on-board are usually expected by clients, more novel forms of entertainment don’t really fit the private jet experience. On average, our flights take under 3 hours, and there is no need to create additional distractions. We often have clients email us asking to thank the cabin crew for their exceptional service. I doubt we’d ever get the same level of kudos for having VR goggles onboard.

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The 7 Most Controversial Travel Opinions

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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Armrest allocation, clapping when the plane lands, and using the recline button—these controversial travel topics are guaranteed to start a full-on debate between frequent flyers.

Are you in agreement or are you misaligned with most of the traveling public? Travel site Kayak conducted a poll of the most hotly debated travel opinions to determine the Unspoken Rules of Air Travel .

Here’s what the survey found:

Cutting the Line Is Ok

About to miss your flight? According to Kayak’s survey, 57 percent of travelers will have sympathy for you (and will let you cut the line) if it’s the difference between making it to the gate in time or being left stranded.

Unattended Children Should Be Banned

Letting your kids run around the airport (or plane) freely in the hopes they’ll burn off some energy? 90 percent of respondents ask that you rein them in, voting that children shouldn’t be left unattended during travel.

Would You Pay Extra for a Kid-Free Flight?

Don’t Stand on the Moving Sidewalk

If your personal pet peeve is people who ride the moving sidewalks at the airport (rather than walking on it), you’re not alone—57 percent of travelers feel the same way. 

Just remember, moving sidewalks are a huge help to people with mobility issues—so try to extend some grace and patience when travelers aren’t walking on them. 

Clapping When the Plane Lands Is Annoying

Your fellow passengers ask you to hold your applause when the plane touches down. A close margin of 51 percent of flyers thinks this measure of appreciation is “pointless” because the pilots can’t hear you.

The Middle Seat Doesn’t Get Both Armrests

A surprising 57 percent of passengers have no sympathy for the person stuck in the middle seat, saying the armrests are up for anyone to grab. 

Should You Recline Your Seat on an Airplane?

Reclining Your Seat is Acceptable

Go ahead and lean back ( just please, do it the right way ) next time you fly. A vast majority (88 percent) believe that the recline button is offered for a reason.

Leave Your Socks On

Fellow flyers don’t want to see (or smell) your bare feet. Seventy-six percent of passengers voted that people should keep their socks on during a flight.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Zeynep Tufekci

You Don’t Need to Freak Out About Boeing Planes (but Boeing Sure Does)

By Zeynep Tufekci

Opinion Columnist

“Ah, it’s a Boeing Max,” I exclaimed to my travel companions after we boarded our plane a few weeks ago. I looked to see if we were seated next to a hidden door plug panel like the one that blew out on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 in January. We weren’t, but joining a trend on social media , we cracked a few jokes at Boeing’s expense: “Maybe they can charge extra, saying it’s potentially an even bigger window seat.”

The F.B.I. recently informed the passengers on that ill-fated Alaska Airlines flight that they might have been crime victims . The agency hasn’t explained why, but Boeing has told the Senate that it cannot find documentation of exactly how the door plug was removed and reinstalled, even though the company acknowledged it is supposed to have kept such records. Facing all this, the company announced last week that it was replacing its chief executive . But the bad news wasn’t over: On Thursday a New York Times investigation reported a disturbing pattern of sloppy safety procedures and dangerous cost cutting. One expert who had spent more than a decade at Boeing told The Times, “The theme is shortcuts everywhere — not doing the job right.”

Is it any wonder that some travelers are trying to avoid Boeing planes? Kayak, the travel booking site, noticed an uptick in the number of people trying to weed them out ; it recently made that search filter more prominent and even added an option to specifically avoid certain models.

Boeing’s problems, great as they are, are just one reason that consumers might be wary of taking flight. United Airlines now also faces scrutiny for a series of safety incidents, although many experts say the issues there do not appear to be systemic. The biggest danger of all may be understaffing in air traffic control and overstuffed runways , which lead to far too many near misses.

Personally, I am not worried about flying, and other than cracking some ill-advised jokes, I have not changed my behavior. That’s why I hadn’t bothered to check whether I’d be flying on a Boeing Max or any type of Boeing plane until after I boarded.

The trajectory of Boeing as a corporation, however, is another matter. It’s going to take a lot more than a shuffle at the top to fix that company’s problems. But the fact that Boeing managed to cut as many corners as it did is testament to the layers and layers of checks, redundancies and training that have been built into the aviation industry. Aviation safety is so robust because we made it so.

Two seemingly contradictory things are both true: U.S. commercial passenger airlines have gone an astonishing 15 years without a single death from a crash. And there is a huge safety crisis in commercial aviation that we urgently need to fix.

Commercial aviation is a complex system involving many dynamics — technology, engineering, corporate culture, regulation, weather, human factors, politics and more.

It’s extremely hard to predict what will emerge from so many different things interacting all at once — an example of the so-called butterfly effect, in which a tiny insect flapping its wings leads to major weather events on the other side of the world. And though testing every part of the system on its own is necessary, it’s insufficient, since it’s the interaction of many moving parts that creates those hard-to-foresee problems. Solving equations won’t be enough to manage it all because such systems defy easy calculations.

We do, however, have methods to manage complex and safety-critical systems, and if done right, they can work very well.

Perhaps the most important measure is redundancy, the layering of precautions. Since even a minor failure could set off a catastrophic chain of events, it’s important to shore up everything. That’s why many plane parts have duplicates or backups and much of planes’ production and maintenance is subject to inspections by multiple people.

Redundancy, however, while great for safety, is expensive.

The first Boeing 737 Max crash occurred in Indonesia in 2018 . Everyone on board was killed. The next was in 2019 in Ethiopia. There were no survivors of that flight, either. After that, the planes — which had been flying globally for more than a year — were grounded by the F.A.A. (About 387 of them had been delivered at that time, and 400 or so more were in production.)

The public later learned Boeing had added a new software system to the planes to help keep them stable. Because the system made the planes behave more like older Boeing models that pilots were already familiar with, the company got permission from the F.A.A. to avoid retraining pilots on the new planes (a cost savings for the airlines that bought them) or even telling pilots about it.

Those two flights proved the danger of that approach. The new system relied on a single sensor, even though the planes were equipped with two. When that sensor failed, pilots lacked the information to diagnose the problem and avoid disaster. Boeing’s actions were a violation of those core tenets of aviation of building in redundancy and understanding how complicated interactions can create problems that no one predicted.

Given the impossibility of testing for every outcome, keeping complex systems safe also depends on another crucial signal: near misses. If something goes wrong but disaster is averted, the correct response should not be a “whew” and back to normal. It should be caution and investigation.

The Times investigation shows how alarmingly different Boeing’s approach was.

The Boeing plane that crashed in Indonesia experienced the exact same problem with the new stabilization system the day before. But on that flight there happened to be a third pilot, riding off duty in the back of the cockpit . When things went haywire, he was able to suggest the correct sequence of actions and saved the day. Had Boeing updated pilots about the system, would the passengers on the airplane’s next flight have landed safely? We’ll never know.

That third pilot — in that case, present purely by luck — was an example of how redundancy can save lives. So is a co-pilot. Planes fly on autopilot all the time and can even land on their own. Still, regulations require a second person in the cockpit for many types of passenger flights not just to handle things in the extremely rare event that the primary pilot gets sick or dies midflight but also to help manage emergencies and equipment failures . It’s the same reason that planes have more engines, more tires and more ways to extend the landing gear than they need for any individual flight, just in case one of those things fails, as has happened many times.

An extra layer of safety helped avert the Alaska Airlines blowout from turning into a catastrophe: Because the incident occurred so soon after takeoff, all the passengers were still required to wear their seatbelts.

Pilots even do walk-arounds of their planes just before takeoff to conduct final visual inspections. Commercial aviation works because of the principle of trust nothing and check everything.

It’s hard to escape the conclusion that those at the company who took all those shortcuts figured the system, with all its redundancies, would save them. But that’s a gamble. Eventually, two or three or four rare mishaps will align.

A Boeing representative told me that the company was taking responsibility and working to improve quality. But we need to see action, not promises.

So why should anyone still fly on Boeing’s planes? Or fly at all? Because the statistics still show that commercial aviation is miraculously safe, far more so than all the alternative ways of traveling.

While I don’t check for who manufactured the planes I fly on, I do keep my seatbelt on even when the captain says I don’t have to. Other than that, I’m as comfortable as possible while flying. I know that on balance, air travel is a well-regulated system staffed by highly trained crews with layers and layers of safety precautions and a dedication to learning from accidents. Let’s keep it that way.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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An earlier version of this article misidentified the agency that informed passengers of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 that they might have been crime victims. It is the F.B.I., not the Federal Aviation Administration.

How we handle corrections

Zeynep Tufekci  ( @zeynep ) is a professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton University, the author of “Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest” and a New York Times Opinion columnist. @ zeynep • Facebook